Background: There are a range of implants for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (PFOs) in children. We investigated the training experiences and preferences of orthopaedic residents and fellows who were learning PFO, using a fixed angled blade plate (ABP) or a locking, cannulated blade plate (LCBP). We also studied short-term technical and radiographic outcomes.
Methods: This was a prospective, parallel-group, cohort study of 90 consecutive children and adolescents with cerebral palsy who underwent bilateral PFOs with ABP or LCBP. Surgical trainees completed a questionnaire to document the ease or difficulty of each operative step.
Results: There were 48 boys and 42 girls, with a mean age of eight years and a mean follow-up of 25 months. Trainees preferred the LCBP system for: insertion of the guidewire, the seating chisel and the blade plate, as well as overall technical ease of use (p < 0.001). Radiographic outcomes were similar with no between-group differences for migration percentage (p = 0.996) or neck shaft angle (p = 0.849), but there was a higher prevalence of technical errors in the ABP group.
Conclusions: Trainee surgeons expressed a preference for LCBPs when learning PFO in children with cerebral palsy. Radiographic outcomes were similar in both groups, with close attending surgeon supervision.
Keywords: angled blade plate; cannulated blade plate; cerebral palsy; locking screw fixation; proximal femoral osteotomy; surgical training.